David Gilmour - The legend that is.

When people think of legendary rock guitarists, probably not too many would put David Gilmour on the top of their list. David Gilmour is the voice and lead guitarist behind Pink Floyd, although not part of the original lineup, he was called upon to fill a relatively large hole when chief lyricist Syd Barret was "asked to leave" or more to the point, left behind. It was David that was largely responsible for Pink Floyds shift from their drug induced psychedelic music and had a huge influence on their evolvement into the progressive rock style they ultimately had huge success with.

Here's the thing, David Gilmour probably doesn't have the stage presence of Hendrix or Page if measured by on stage antics or dynamics but what he lacks in this area he more than makes up for by his pure musical and guitar playing prowess. His signature guitar solo's have become a cornerstone of the definitive Pink Floyd sound and are unmistakable when heard.

I recently saw Pink Floyd's pulse DVD, a concert recorded in London's Earls Court in 1994, containing the first filmed, entire rendition of "The Dark Side Of the Moon", a remarkable concert in itself but it was the second encore performance of 'Comfortably Numb', in particular David's guitar solo, that left me completely captivated and fascinated. Its one of these defining moments when I had goose bumps all over my body just listening to this guitar genius in action, at one point a lonely figure on a darkened stage playing in a spotlight with a mesmerised crowd sitting before him. It's the zenith of guitar solo's, a moment in time captured on film that I believe should be enjoyed just for the music than anything else.

Comfortably Numb Video

I have recently taken up learning to play the guitar and like all new hobbies, you need to set a goal or have some sort of inspiration to drive you and motivate you to improve ... well I found mine and its captured on digital disk and realistically I will never be in the same league but that's not the point. I may be on a road to nowhere but at least I have a direction.

You can probably buy PULSE for next to nothing these days, for those of you who haven't seen it I can't recommend it enough....put it on, turn the lights off and enjoy the magic of Pink Floyd and the genius that is David Gilmour...and if his guitar solo on 'Comfortably Numb' doesn't move you, you better check that you have a pulse ( no pun intended ).

David

My Chemical Romance - Syd Ent Cent 30/11/07

To me, there are predominately two types of bands, those that sound great in a studio but when it comes to a live performance, just seem to disappoint and those who sound great in a studio and are absolutely fantastic live.

My Chemical Romance, definitely fall into the latter group.

I must admit, I was somewhat hesitant at the prospect of seeing MCR in concert. Sure I have been listening to songs from their latest offering “The Black Parade” for the past 12 months but seeing them live in concert, well that was a completely different story but how could I say no to my youngest daughter, who was so desperately wanting to be part of the MCR live show experience.

So by the time I knew it, we were at the Sydney Entertainment Centre in readiness for the MCR show to commence and what a wait. You could sense the anticipation of the crowd; almost the whole centre was on tenterhooks, anxiously waiting for the band to run onto the stage…. and what an entrance they made.

Gerard Way, the bands lead singer, quite simply commanded attention, he controlled the audience, the stage and the atmosphere that surrounded the auditorium, in fact he owned the moment, the show and ultimately the night. Like a conductor controls a band, Gerard controlled the audience, from the Mosh Pit, right up through to the punters in the reserved seating and nose bleed sections.

The music was awesome and the band sounded great, the sound was outstanding (complemented by fireballs, cannon sounds, ample flow of sparkling rain and radical lighting completely in tune with each song) and the songs themselves sounded fantastic, most of them were from The Black Parade but they did slide in some old favourites like “Helena” for the hard core fans. The standouts for me were the two songs “I Don’t Love You” and their encore “Famous Last Words”. The former, a ballad was sung with the stage engulfed in a purple haze and the entire Mosh Pit ( which was filled to capacity ) swaying their arms in unison, it was enthralling to witness a flood of hands all held high, thrusting back and forth towards the direction of the stage. When they played “Famous Last Words” every person in the centre was standing and swaying, it was an incredible sight, the spotlights shone across the auditorium and all that you could see was a flurry of hands and jumping bodies, COMPLETELY synchronised to the music which concluding with an elaborate 6 gun salute.

The highlight of the night was the atmosphere, the combination of the band and the crowd, and the crowds obvious appreciation of what they were experiencing and observing them seize the moment. The ‘Emo’ crowd have to be applauded, no aggression, no drunken loutish behaviour, just a bunch of people with one common objective, to have a great time. One thing I noticed by the end of the night, even Emo’s can manage a smile.

David

Control - A Biopic on Ian Curtis and Joy Division

I stumbled upon the music of Joy Division in the same way a child would learn to run before they could walk. In other words completely in the wrong order, New Order in fact...sorry, I couldn't resist.

New Order, the band that evolved from the ashes of Joy Division, actually exposed me to Joy Division's infectious but often dark and depressing lyrics and sound.

So, when I heard the news that a documentary on the life and times of Ian Curtis, lead singer and lyricist of Joy Division, was soon to be screened, I made a quick mental note to make sure to view it on the big screen, before it disappeared onto the shelves of the local Video Shop. A week after its release, I found myself armed with a bottle of water sitting in a darkened cinema, enduring countless previews of upcoming films awaiting the commencement of the feature presentation.

And so it began....

The first point of note, is that the film is completely shot in black and white which, in retrospect, was a quite clever move as this is hardly a cheerful or genial movie, so its chosen colour scheme complements its dark and plaintive storyline. The movie starts off by introducing us to Ian's early life and upbringing, highlighting his school years and early musical influences such as Bowie.

It then moves onto his marriage and family life, presenting Ian as the husband and father. Ian's battle with prescription drugs and struggle with epilepsy are also well documented and, not to be forgotten, a large portion of the film is dedicated to the formation and ultimate, albeit short lived, rise of Joy Division. It also introduces us to Tony Wilson, founder of Factory Records who, so legend has us believe, signed Joy Division to his label in his own blood.

The film also details Ian's affair with a journalist and the torment that this brought both himself and his family, his inability to decide what he actually wanted played a large part in his downfall, which brings us to the saddest part of the film, his eventual suicide at the tender age of 23. For those who thought that the death of Kurt Cobain was a loss, the death of Ian Curtis is in the same realm. A life and future that had so much potential, ending so prematurely, a wasted talent that had so much more still to achieve and live for, his family, his band and his music.

The songs of Joy Division are played throughout the film, very haunting and oh so emotionally stirring. Like a long lost memory this film re-emphasised, to me, their quality and allurement. The films ending is very moving to say the least, I had more than a few tears welling up my eyes, which was kind of unexpected as Ian's death has been historically well documented. The song "Atmosphere", complements the end perfectly and after listening to it and its lyrics, it makes you think that Ian scripted his own death. Coincidently, this song was played at the funeral of Tony Wilson who passed away earlier this year.

Its a great film, regardless of whether or not you are a fan of Joy Division, a film that will make you realise that perception of the perfect life is one thing but reality can be totally contrary.

David

The ARIA Hall of Churchless Fame

Ok, so after watching yet another ARIA awards and seeing Nick Cave, deservedly so, being inducted to the “prestigious” hall of fame, I find myself asking the same repetitive question. What have Steve Kilbey et al, from The Church, done to the Australian Recording Industry to yet again be overlooked for their rightful induction.

I mean seriously, what more do they have to do, what more do they have to prove? What is wrong with the music execs, which part of “One of Australia’s hardest working and influential bands” don’t they understand?

My initial thoughts are that Mr Kilbey and sundry are unperturbed about their obstinate exclusion but surely, in some way, they must view this as either an act of complete ignorance or disregard by the Australian music industry.

The band formed in 1980 and, who with the exception of various drummers, have maintained this original line up till the present day and along their progressive ride through the years have released a collection of outstanding albums and influenced many up and coming bands with their trade mark psychedelic, rich guitar melodies and Steve’s poetic and profound lyrics.

The Church, who were once part of the mainstream music world, soon crossed over to the alternate scene and perhaps this transition is a major factor for their repeated exclusion. Does this mean that a continual “box of hits” is a prerequisite for the hall of fame? Well thankfully with Nick Cave’s inclusion this year, maybe not.

Past inductees include the likes of:

• Sherbet
• Divinyls
• Icehouse
• Renee Geyer

All deserved of their inclusion but it makes it all so much more perplexing.

So I am still none the wiser but one thing is for certain, the Australian music industry needs to pull its head of its bee-hind and acknowledge one of our countries greatest bands, before you end up with as much credibility as Australian Idol.

Yes, this may all be a biased view, as I am a major fan of the group but at some point for any fan of the Australian music, this must give way to pure logical sense and reason.

Maybe the band should all grow “flavour savours” and sing about driving really fast shiny black cars.

We sit and wait, well I will anyway ….

David

Young Modern -Silverchair

September '07 was a pretty dark and sombre period for me, a time during which I got to know this particular CD very well and one that helped me get through the moments when those waves of depression rolled through. I have always been a Silverchair fan, especially of Daniel's incredible talent as a musician, although CD's such as "Diorama" have only grown on me during recent times.

I purchased a copy of Young Modern, pretty much from the onset of its release and loved it from the first listen, however, it was totally different from what I expected...but then again what did I expect?..I am not really sure, I guess maybe a return to the hard rock of "Freak Show" but the end result could not have been more to the contrary. It's actually an uplifting CD, even songs such as "Low", with its depressive lyrics somehow managed ending up sounding very upbeat and positive.

When the single 'Straight Lines' hit the musical airwaves, there must have been a huge sigh of relief from the fans of Silverchair, not only was it a fantastic single but it signalled the return of the band, who finally dispelled those rumours that they had broken up or gone their separate ways, which in someway were only fuelled by solo projects like The Dissociatives and Tambalane.

I think Young Modern is their best CD to date, its a pretty big claim and maybe a little preconceived given its assistance with my self healing, but after a multitude of spins in the CD player, I still have not grown tired or bored of it. I think the CD also reflects where the band are today, where they have come from and the solid bond all three of them ( four if you count Paul Mac ) have formed and sustained throughout some pretty troublesome times.

My Favourite songs:

• Straight Lines
• Low
• Young Modern Station
• Insomnia
• If You Keep Losing Sleep

I don't think any Silverchair fan will be disappointed with this CD.

One thing is for sure, we are a long way from "Frogstomp", Toto....

Happy Listening.
David

5 CD's to be stranded on an island with

The Dark Side Of The Moon - Pink Floyd

As close to the perfect album you can get. From opening to closing heartbeats.

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OK Computer - Radiohead

Probably my favourite album along with The Dark Side Of The Moon. An album that predicted the world we live in today, a society dehumanised by the ever growing power of technology.

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Ten Silver Drops- Secret Machines

"Lightning Blue Eyes Reflected Sunrise" These were the lyrics that hooked me into this CD. Dark but beautiful, a CD I only recently got into but cannot stop listening to.

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Nevermind - Nirvana

At a time when music lost its way, this album was its saviour. This album was responsible for my shift from mainstream to alternate music.

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Never Mind The Bollocks - The Sex Pistols

This album defined a generation and brought "Punk" music to the masses. The media tried to ban it and due to their actions, only added to its success.

Radiohead - In Rainbows

Its been many years in the waiting since the last Radiohead CD, too long in fact.

I must admit I was concerned that they would in fact never release anything again and even if they did, would it ever be as good as any of their previous efforts?

Someone once told me that you either get Radiohead or you don't, there is no middle ground when it comes to this bunch of "Oxfordites". I guess this does ring true, and admittedly their music does take a few listens to "get your ear in" and appreciate it for what's its worth.
Anyway, enough said.

"In Rainbows" certainly fits this notion but even on the first listen I felt that this was something special, so pure and so clean.

It is not as plaintive as most of their other stuff in fact its quite uplifting, maybe fatherhood has given Mr Yorke a new outlook on life, however the last song "Videotape" is pretty depressing, to me anyway.

In terms of other Radiohead release "In Rainbows" fits in somewhere between "The Bends" and "Kid A" a mixture of guitars and electronica but it still retains its uniqueness.

My favourite songs are:

• Bodysnatchers
• Reckoner
• House Of Cards
• Jigsaw Falling Into Place

"In Rainbows" is almost as good as "OK Computer"...almost. For me "OK Computer" is one of the THE finest albums ever made but that is another story..or should I say Blog.

Enjoy.
David